"Did Captain Gurley send you to escort these ladies?" he asked, as the sergeant spurred up and saluted.
"Yes, Major."
Goddard turned and beckoned to Symonds, who had stopped some yards in the rear. "What do you mean by letting your men straggle so along the road?" he demanded sharply. "Have them close up."
The sergeant again saluted, and wheeled his horse just behind Goddard's. "Close up, men!" he ordered. "Close up!"
Obediently the cavalrymen trotted to their places on either side of the wagon, and Symonds urged his mules to their utmost speed to keep up with the escort.
"How far are we from Winchester, Bob?" called Lloyd.
"About...." Goddard's words died in his throat as a strong hand seized his bridle rein, and he looked into the barrel of the sergeant's army revolver. Swiftly his right hand sought his own revolver, and he fired from his hip, but the sudden rearing of his startled mare spoiled his aim. The next instant his weapon was wrenched from him by a trooper who had dashed to the sergeant's assistance, and his arms were pinioned behind his back. At the same moment Lloyd and Symonds were covered by the revolvers of the cavalrymen on either side of the wagon.
"Resistance is useless," called the sergeant. "Stop those mules!"
His orders were instantly obeyed. Lloyd, realizing that he was helpless, sank back into his seat.
"Who the —— are you?" roared Goddard, as the men, with no gentle hand, searched him for other weapons.